Introduction to Automotive Engineering

Chapter 6Steering System

6.1 Introduction

Steering is the collection of components, linkages, etc., which allows any vehicle (car, motorcycle, bicycle) to follow the desired course. The collection of components:

• In a car: ensure that wheels are pointing in the desired direction of motion.
• Convert rotary motion of the steering to the angular turn of the wheel.
• Mechanical advantage is used in this case.
• The joints and the links should be adjusted with precision.
• Smallest error can be dangerous.
• No transfer the shocks.
• Minimize the wear.

6.2 Parts of Steering System

The major components are,

1. Pipes and hoses
2. Steering wheel
3. Main shaft
4. Reservoir
5. Pump
6. Steering gear box

6.3 Ackerman’s Steering Mechanism

The Ackerman principle is that during turning of I-center of all wheels meet at a point, then the vehicle will take a turn at that point which results in pure rolling of the vehicle.

Figure 6.1 Parts of a steering system.

Ackerman condition for two-wheel steering:

Expressed as;

(6.1)

Where,

δo = Angle of outer wheel

δi = Angle of inner wheel

W = Track width

B = Distance between left and right kingpin centerline

L = Wheel base

Here, Ackerman condition is satisfied when I-centers of front wheels meet at a point on the rear axis of the vehicle which is the turning point ...